Lawton awarded 2024 Sport Australia Hall of Fame scholarship

Hockeyroos midfielder Amy Lawton’s growing stature as one of Australia’s most exciting young athletes has been reinforced with recognition through the Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s (SAHOF) Scholarship and Mentoring Program.

Lawton was announced this morning as one of six athletes selected for a Tier 1 Scholarship as she looks to compete at her second Olympic Games in Paris.

A recipient of a SAHOF Tier 2 Scholarship in 2022, the 21 year old will receive a $10,000 sporting grant to go towards her training and competition, plus one-on-one mentoring from seven-time World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley AO.

“It is an absolute honour to be a successful recipient of this outstanding program, particularly with the amazing depth of talent in Australia ahead of the Olympic Games,” said Lawton.

“I am so excited to begin working with Layne Beachley to help develop myself as an athlete, and a person, to holistically improve my performance on and off the field.

“Not only does SAHOF build meaningful connections and develop young athletes, it is also a program that continues to support athletes on their ever evolving journeys, which is something I am super proud to remain a part of.”

After bursting onto the international hockey scene as a 17 year old, Lawton has already made 60 appearances for the Hockeyroos.

With a maturity beyond her years, Lawton helped the Hockeyroos win a bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s World Cup, silver medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and has been part of a Hockeyroos team that has risen to being ranked second in the world.

“Congratulations to Amy on this recognition and being identified as a recipient of this distinguished Tier 1 Scholarship,” said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.

“Similarly to fellow Hockeyroo Claire Colwill who was a recipient last year, Amy is sure to benefit from everything this scholarship has to offer in helping her fulfill her sporting dreams.

“Already an Olympian with experience competing at hockey’s major tournaments, Amy has the hockey world at her feet.

“Aside from being an exceptional hockey player, what makes Amy an even more outstanding talent is her humility, down to earth nature, determination to be the best hockey player and person she can be, contagious love of the game and eagerness to be a positive role model to the next generation.”

Notably, Hockey Australia Legend and triple Olympic gold medallist Rechelle Hawkes AM was announced as the mentor for rower Jacqueline Swick.

The SAHOF Scholarship and Mentoring Program is backed by the Australian Sports Commission incorporating the Australian Institute of Sport.

Amy Lawton bio (courtesy of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame).